Archive for the ‘Cheers!’ category

Lunch was fresh and hearty with Vietnamese rolls and plentiful, steaming pho with sauces and toppings and a complimentary avocado shake at Orlando’s ViMi district this afternoon.

Food expert Scott Joseph joined us at popular local restaurant Pho 88, shared valuable food and dining insights and gave us copies of his book the Orlando Restaurant Guide.

Then we headed to an unique chocolate shop in picturesque downtown. Farris and Forster’s was a chocoholic’s heaven where we got to get out hands dirty – making our own chocolates – with some help from co-owner John Foster Lanenga and his staff.

An hour after handling truffle, nuts, fruits and dark and milk melted chocolate, we left giddily with boxes of our own creations.

It’s no surprise that it’s popular among children and adults alike with the calendar packed with birthday parties and date nights.

Next stop – Florida’s only certified organic microbrewery.

President and self-proclaimed beer snob John Creek let us taste their local brews and gave us a personalized tour of the hidden gem Orlando Brewing Co. Too bad they don’t preserve and transport yet – I could start craving the golden wheat brew Miami Wise back in Boston…

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They call themselves Boston area’s most innovative wine shop, both online and in-store and soon moves to Beacon Street according to this Brookline TAB story.

Vinovido promises affordable and highly acclaimed wines for every occasion with a varied selection and expert recommendations.

Their current recommendation is the Muscadet, a dry white.

The 2008 Muscadet Sevre et Maine Cuvee Harmonie hails from a single parcel, and represents one of the finest expressions of Muscadet we’ve tasted. This limited production wine is perfectly suited to these hot August days, and will pair beautifully with grilled shellfish.

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Fresh and fun is one way to classify Bambara‘s summer offerings with locally grown produce.

Not only is it one of my favorites for a good meal but they also have interesting events like Beer Belly coming up. For $35, you could try a five-course menu paired with Chef Jay Silva’s favorite beers on July 27, 7 p.m. Please call 617-868-4444 for reservations.

They also offer a really good deal with the Express Power Lunch including your choice of any appetizer on the menu, followed by an entree and home-baked cookies to go. All for $15!

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Kudos to the Russell House Tavern in Harvard Square for an amazing array of food and drinks (mostly local and sustainable) and a well-done interior.

We were invited to dinner last week where every dish was tasty and beautifully presented. I personally loved their house cured meats and pates and my St. Germaine cocktail. For details, check out my review at the Cambridge Chronicle.

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Mouthwatering oysters, chilled pea soup, spicy roasted walnuts and succulent pulled pork hit the spot at a party yesterday celebrating Earth Day at one of Cambridge’s premier restaurants.

Bambara rolled out a fresh green menu at $45 per person ($55 paired with sustainable wines) with Earth Day-inspired appetizers and cocktails. A special mention for the refreshing Green Aid made with Square One cucumber vodka, basil syrup, lemonade with cucumber garnish.

The menu runs April 19-24 and opens up the Bambara patio and herb garden in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. The menu includes locally bought and grown items and a touch of innovation. Chef Jay Silva explains: